Massage Therapy Associate Degree

Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy

A.A.S.

Overview

Employing their unique tool—"healing touch"—massage therapists relieve pain, reduce stress, unwind bound-up muscles, and just plain make people feel better. As a professional massage therapist you learn to manipulate the muscles and soft tissues of clients to produce relaxation, improved health and other benefits. With more than 80 types of treatments, massage therapists can specialize in deep-tissue, acupressure, reflexology, orthopedic, sports massage, and other areas. Often, massage therapists become experts in several modalities, all of which require specific skills and techniques.

As more people learn about the benefits of massage therapy, opportunities for individuals skilled in massage therapy are expected to increase through the year 2020. Those seeking the services of a massage therapist include spa clientele, athletes, the aging population, and a wide range of individuals seeking relaxation and rejuvenation from the stresses of everyday life.

The length and type of massage provided typically depends on the client's condition and desires. Massage therapists either work for an employer in a variety of environments including spas and hospitals or are self-employed with their own small business. Regardless of the working arrangement, massage therapists should employ effective techniques based on sound principals, the value of safe practices and professional integrity.

Program Description

Medical Careers Institute offers a program that emphasizes both the art and science of massage therapy. In addition to clinical instruction, our curriculum also exposes students to sound business practices, preparing them for success in the real world.

By combining clinical experience with practical application through an externship, students can see and experience care as it is given to patients in a range of health conditions. After successfully completing the program, graduates may:

Apply to the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) to take the National Certification Exam.

Apply, upon completion of exam, to the North Carolina Board of Massage & Bodywork Therapy for their license OR to the Virginia Board of Nursing for certification as massage therapists in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Self-Integration and Computer Literacy

Program Outcomes

Graduates will be able to safely assist with the treatment and care of patients while practicing standard precautions and adhering to HIPAA and OSHA guidelines.

Graduates will be able to identify all major muscles of the body (actions, attachments, and palpation), systems within the body, and the medical terminology associated with massage therapy.

Graduates will be able to assist with functional restoration through one or more soft tissue manipulation techniques to increase range of motion, flexibility, and stability, provide pain relief, relaxation, or stress reduction.

Graduates will be able to demonstrate good oral and written communication skills and essential job search skills.

Program provides comprehensive preparation of graduates to be successful on the National Certification Exam offered through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork and meet requirements within the state.

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who have completed the program, and other important information, please click here.